Electronic Vehicle Research Consultant at Palladium Group

Scope of Work

• Assess the functionality (including cargo capacity, travel distance, actual/ average daily operational hours etc.) and vehicle durability (design, breakdowns, maintenance costs, spare parts replacement and frequency etc.)
• Compare the above including the energy efficiency and cost savings against alternative I.C.E (International Combustion Engine) vehicles operating within the same location
• Present the Financial model of the different EV types including their commercial viability for agro cargo transportation and propose a purchase/repayment plan for vehicle acquisition based on the assessment of the service provision.
• Identify additional agro cargo market locations/routes, suitable EV types for different terrains, user groups, and transport needs prospective business potential.
• Present a stakeholder mapping, roles, incentives, interests, and formal and informal rules within the agro cargo transportation space. This should also include potential conflict points caused by the introduction of EV, and women drivers.
• Estimate the volume of Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent achievable through this fuel switching initiative.
• Evaluate the potential of EVs to improve mobility for women, people with disabilities, and excluded groups.
• Methodology: Individuals or firms engaged for this assignment will propose their own methodologies that are consistent with the standard framework for reporting methodology. The methodology should include primary and secondary data collection tools for both quantitative and qualitative data to be collected. Furthermore, it should adopt some participatory rural appraisal approaches and include counterfactual analysis in the methodology to be adopted to provide evidence for the programme’s contributions. The scope covers
• Field Research: Engage stakeholders (farmers, transporters, authorities) to gather insights on current transport practices and challenges.
  Assess road conditions, vehicle charging facilities, and EV compatibility with local needs.

Literature Review: Review existing studies on electric cargo vehicles in similar contexts (e.g., Kenya, South Africa, Asia). The secondary/desk research should be conducted with the aim of understanding and capturing learnings from other African Countries like Kenya and South Africa and countries in East Asia that have successfully rolled out e-mobility solutions in the cargo space.

The research will also provide information on the following:

• TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of EVs compared to ICE.
• Suitability of E-Vehicles to various types of cargoes and roads conditions in terms of terrains, topographies, undulations (and verify the impact of road conditions on TCO per kilometer and per kilograms).
• Explore best options in terms of charging infrastructure and energy sources including opportunities for partnerships with mini grid owners for battery chagrining services.
• Explore optimal utilization rates for charging stations and explore other/versatile use cases of batteries for instance using EV batteries to power domestic and other productive use appliances, providing complementary energy sources to power powered solutions like solar irrigation pumps and solar threshers.

Identify key factors influencing EV adoption in areas with limited electricity and poor infrastructure.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis
  Compare EVs' total cost of ownership (purchase, maintenance, operation) with ICE vehicles
  Evaluate costs per kilometer, per charge, and overall cost efficiency
  Determine financial feasibility, pricing strategies, and gendered cost implications.
• Environmental Impact Assessment
  Assess emissions reduction potential and impact on local air quality
  Evaluate environmental trade-offs if electricity is sourced from non-renewable energy.
• Operational Feasibility
  Analyze EV performance under local conditions, including mileage, charging infrastructure, and wear-and-tear.
  Examine cultural, gender, and social acceptance of EV use.
  Capture technical advisory areas for EV suppliers on capacity building for mechanical service providers on the repair and maintenance of the EVs.
• Comparative Analysis and Recommendations
  Rank vehicles based on performance, cost-effectiveness, and community feedback.
  Provide actionable recommendations for scaling EV use for agricultural transport.

Deliverables: The following deliverables shall be expected from the Consultant:

• Inception meeting.
• First draft report.
• Progress report.
• Detailed reports for each of the activity outlined in the scope of work. Reports are expected to be structured as follows: Executive Summary, Introduction,
• Objectives, Methodology, Outcomes/Findings, Recommendations, Challenges, Follow-Up actions, Conclusion. The main and final report should not be more than 45 pages with appropriate infographics.
• Register of all KII respondents interviewed and representatives of FGD participants.
• PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings of the assessment, methodologies, and recommendation
• Photo album of field works, and key moments captured during field activities.
• All the data collected on the course of the consultancy.

Timeline and Outputs. This assessment will commence in the first week of March 2025 and will be completed by May 20, 2025. A formal review of the final report with the Consultants will be organized by Propcom+.

• Output 1 - March 10, 2025 : Initial report after contracting, including preliminary desk review of relevant project documents and existing literature
• Output 2 - March 17, 2025: Review of Inception Report by Propcom+ Team.
• Output 3 - April 30, 2025: Field works and primary data collection.
• Output 4 - May 3, 2025: Data collection and analysis.
• Output 5 - May 10, 2025: First draft report
• Output 6 - May 15, 2025: Report validation meeting
• Output 7, May 20, 2025: Final draft report

Qualification and Experience Requirement.

• The Lead Consultant (for a firm or a team of consultants) must have an advanced degree in Development Studies, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Climate Change, Low Carbon Economic Development, Sustainable and Inclusive Development or other related fields.
• Cognate and requisite experience in cost-benefit and environmental impact assessments, low carbon project analysis, energy transition and fuel switching programmes, or green energy project management.
• Familiarity with EV technology in low-infrastructure settings.
• Experience in gender-responsive and inclusive research methodologies.
• Extensive experience in market system programmes and projects, preferably in northern Nigeria.
• Sound knowledge of policy issues related to energy efficiency and climate change.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.